Pulling in commitments hasn't exactly been a strong suit for the Nittany Lions in their Class of 2011, so when Lansdowne (Pa.) Penn Wood defensive end Shawn Oakman called up Penn State assistant coach Larry Johnson on Thursday to accept a scholarship, it was a big deal in more ways than one.

Philly.com has reported that the Philly area prospect became the Nittany Lions second commitment, and at 6-foot-8, 240 pounds he's one of the biggest players to pledge to Penn State in recent memory.

The four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 244 player in the Rivals250, visited State College this past weekend. The trip went a long way in sealing the deal.

In the end, Oakman chose the Nittany Lions over scholarship offers from Connecticut, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh and hometown Temple.

Last season, Oakman recorded over 60 tackles and 17 sacks as both adefensive end and defensive tackle. He has 29 sacks in the last twoyears, earning second team all-state honors as a junior.